By Robert Haugh
En route to their first-ever CCS championship, the Santa Clara Bruins dominated the El Camino division, going 17-1. In all, the Bruins set a school record with 29 wins overall, ending the season 29-4.
Their amazing playoff run started with a 5-4 win at Carlmont followed by an 11-7 win against Branham. Then they defeated St. Francis SCP 8-0 to win the CCS Division 4 title and earn a berth in the CIF Northern California championship.
They beat Oakland Tech 10-8, followed by 6-0 win at West Valley, finally ending their season with a tough 2-1 loss to Menlo School in the championship game.
“Congrats to all the players and coaches on this significant achievement. Your dedication and hard work, coupled with your ongoing team spirit, have made our Santa Clara Community extremely proud,” said Mayor Lisa Gillmor.
The team: Seniors Jaxton Chao (SS, OF, P), Charles Conley (C, 1B, P), Drew Diffenderfer (SS, 1B, P), Connor Houle (CF, INF, C), John Kepner (1B, 3B, P), Greg Salgado (2B, 3B, OF), Andrew Traffas (3B, SS, P), Ryan Trujillo (OF), Jonathan Young (2B, OF, P); juniors Bruce Gibson (OF, P), Brenden Lendley (2B, OF), Santiago Lopez (1B, 3B, P), Dylan Rahbar (C, OF), Nathaniel Sanchez (1B, OF, P); sophomores Dominick Chaviarra (2B, SS, OF), Kalani Tesimale (3B, P), Savion Thomas (OF) and Kyle Yumul (2B, SS, OF). Head Coach Pedro Martinez.
Chao led the Bruins with a .523 average, 46 runs, .703 slugging percentage, 59 hits, six triples and 26 stolen bases. He added 26 RBIs and seven doubles. He also recorded 28 strikeouts on the mound.
Traffas led the team with five HRs, adding 39 runs, 35 RBIs, 38 hits and 19 stolen bases.
Kepner led the team with 48 strikeouts on the mound posting a 1.20 ERA with five wins. Offensively, Kepner posted a .630 slugging percentage, team-leading 43 RBIs, 28 runs, two HRs, team-leading 10 doubles and five triples.
Diffenderfer led the team with a .80 ERA and seven wins, amassing 42 strikeouts. Offensively, he posted a .365 average with nine doubles and 27 RBIs.
Houle posted a .365 average with 34 runs, 27 RBIs and 26 stolen bases.
Gibson recorded 27 strikeouts and five wins.
The City Council honored the players and coaches at the July 15 meeting.
The conclusion of the CCS game can be viewed here.
